You drew stars around my scars

Hurting Tay

Just over 2 weeks after the car crash, Andrea had returned home leaving Taylor and Jessica alone. Taylor was able to lift the baby now but was still experiencing intense fatigue and was in a lot of pain with her ribs. She was doing light exercises to rehab the muscles to help but it was slow progress.

Jessica was struggling more after the accident. She was having flashbacks of the crash plus having intense emotions surrounding the fear of loss. She was clingy but also anxious all the time meaning she was nauseous and refusing food. Taylor was struggling to keep everything smooth – she was trying to look after the baby, keep Jessica safe while recovering herself.

Andrea was booked to come back in a few weeks to help out again, in the meantime – the Nanny was having Emmeline during the days to assist, Tree was coming over and Taylor had given in and allowed some cleaners to come in once a week. Everyone told her it was temporary but she still hated feeling like she had lost total control of her life.

Jessica's stitches were due to be removed but Taylor still couldn't drive, as Andrea had already left it gave them two options – a driver or Tree. Jessica asked for Tree to take them, knowing it would also give Taylor some support as she was struggling to move around freely and car rides were still challenging for her.

Tree arrived about 30 minutes before the appointment, letting herself into the house. She glanced between Taylor and Jessica before frowning at the blonde's appearance "You look exhausted..."

Taylor shrugged, a tired smile on her face "I'm fine!"

Tree narrowed her eyes at Taylor, knowing she was lying "why don't you stay here –I can handle this"

At exactly the same time, Taylor and Jessica spoke up "NO!"

Tree looked between them, keeping her tone calm "come on – you can rest up for an hour or so"

Taylor smirked slightly "she's scared – she's going to want me there"

Tree rolled her eyes "she will be fine with me..."

Jessica shuffled closer to Taylor before grabbing onto her gently – Taylor couldn't keep the grimace off her face and Tree reacted immediately "hey, watch her ribs! She's still healing..."

Jessica nodded – her face flushing red.

They got in the car and headed to the doctors to have the stitches removed.

When they were there, a nurse came into the room, ready to do it. She checked the notes, before counting the stitches in the teen's head – "20 stitches put in, I can count 20 today – we are good to go!"

Jessica forced a smile as Taylor rubbed her hand gently. The nurse pointed to the examination couch "if you come and lay down here I can get started"

Jessica hesitated for a split second so Taylor pulled her up gently – leading her over. The nurse smiled at Taylor "why don't you sit at Jessica's head, you can hold it nice and still and you will be right there for her" Taylor nodded, smiling at her. Jessica turned towards Tree "can you come and hold my hands then?"

Tree smirked but stood up, sitting next to the teen and holding her hands firmly but kindly.

The nurse began, Jessica tensed up but seen relaxed as she realised although it was an odd sensation it wasn't painful.

Around 10 minutes later, they were all done, the nurse smiled kindly "we would usually put a dressing on but it's trickier on your head – I don't think you want to walk with a bandage on your head?" Jessica smiled and shook her head so the nurse continued "keep it clean and dry – don't shower today, but from tomorrow you're good to go. Make sure you don't knock it – it'll be sensitive for a few days and you might have a headache after all the pulling around I've done today but it's looking great!"